Beneath thy steadfast, half-reproachful eye

Large Ocean chafes,—and, white with bitter brine,

Heaves restlessly, and ripples from the light

To darker shadows,—ev’n as noble thought

Recoils from human passion, to a night

Of splendid gloom by its own mystery wrought.”

“What made you think of the sea?” interrupted El-Râmi.

Féraz looked up dreamily.

“I don’t know,”—he said.

“Well!—go on!”